Jack Bucknall

@Yellowbrow Cheers Alan, it was very accommodating when it was on its own. I gather it’s been hanging out with Ringed Plover this evening so presumably very uncooperative!

@WhitleyBirder Oof, you nailed that one Captain!

After the pain of dipping the Temminck’s Stint on Sunday, it was a huge relief to connect with one at Maiden’s Hall Lake yesterday morning. Arrived at dawn hoping it had stayed overnight - thankfully it had, and with patience, it showed incredibly well feeding at close range.

20k steps walked today, and over 9 hours in the field, with nothing to show for it other than the views! Hiked to the summit of The Cheviot which was a Dotterel-free zone, then onto to Low Newton to dip the Temminck’s Stint! A real stinger, but all part of the fun I suppose!

The last few days have seen a noticeable increase in Swift numbers locally, with a group of 25+ feeding over Killingworth Lake yesterday plus the first few over my house in Whitley Bay this morning. Always great to welcome these great birds back!

The somewhat unseasonal Dark-bellied Brent Goose was still showing well on SMI Wetland this evening...

The bank holiday weekend was spent searching for spring migrants in Northumberland, and this lovely male Whinchat belting out his song at the roadside was one of the highlights.

@andymould10 I had an extremely elusive Wryneck at Chare Ends about 6pm Andy, maybe a late arrival?

On Holy Island today: 1 Swift N (my 1st of year), 3 Fieldfare, 6 Grasshopper Warbler (just 2 on Snook, but in heavy rain), 1 Whitethroat (Snook for its 8th day; pic from Sunday), 8 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 5 Stonechat.

@Yellowbrow Cheers Alan, I spent half an hour scanning the sea from the Heugh thinking it was going to be a dip, before finding it 10ft from the shoreline!

@WhitleyBirder Blimey, don’t think I’ve ever seen one in the county that well. Canny!

Northumberland yearlist still ticking along… awesome views of the Black Guillemot on Holy Island this evening. Not an easy bird to see in the county, been years since I’ve seen one - worth the drive up after work!

@BudleBirder @andymould10 @NTBirdClub @lindisfarne_nnr @DurhamBirdClub @teesmouthbc Brill - looking forward to reading it!

The *Birds of Budle Bay* is now with the digital printer! Purchase and collection details coming soon. Please retweet 🐦 @NTBirdClub @lindisfarne_nnr @DurhamBirdClub @teesmouthbc @birdinglothian #BirdsofBudle

@NigelJames50636 The two birds in the foreground are Greylags, the back bird is a Russian White-fronted Goose.

@WhitleyBirder Aren't they Grey lag Geese...

Well, this one wasn't on the agenda! Whilst failing to find any Black Terns this afternoon, a White-fronted Goose appeared in front of me at Killingworth Lake. Very much out of context in late April, and appears to be a site first. Talk about expecting the unexpected!

Went to Shotton Pools for the Wood Sandpiper this eve, and witnessed something fascinating - a female Merlin failed to catch a Skylark, then landed in the car park and began walking around under the cars! Amazing behaviour, never seen anything like it. Sensational views!

My Peru trip report is finally complete - taking in Lima, the Andes and the Amazon, it was an unforgettable trip packed with lifers, and all round incredible experiences! If you’d like to have a read, the full write-up is available here: cloudbirders.com/be4/download?f…

The highlight of Saturday morning around Druridge Bay was seeing the Owls coming out to hunt when the rain finally stopped. Especially this Barn Owl which was hunting right beside the road, often coming within 6ft of the car - such a majestic species to watch in action.

Fab day across the county today, starting at Druridge Bay with a stunning male Marsh Harrier giving amazing views, along with three Barn Owls and a Short-eared Owl, plus an arrival of warblers. Finished at Hawsen Burn with an impressive group of ten recently arrived Ring Ouzels.

@Davedack81 @DanMcgib Cheers mate, love a bit of Cat C!!

@WhitleyBirder @DanMcgib That Red-billed leiothrix pic is stunning 👏👏

Finally getting around to going through my photos from an amazing long weekend in Barcelona for @DanMcgib’s stag back at the start of March. Five lifers for me, with the standout being Wallcreeper - a species I’ve dreamed of seeing ever since I first got into birding!

Cracking evening at Grindon Lough, getting superb scope views of this Black-necked Grebe in summer plumage, my first in the county for years. Credit to John Jackson for an excellent find of a top bird!